The last time we talked about what AT&T retail employees were up to, it was in the context of Windows Phone sales. At the time, we heard some reports that AT&T workers weren’t very concerned with selling Windows Phone handsets, and instead were pointing even customers with specific interest in Windows Phone towards the iPhone, instead. Some new rumors out today suggest that allegiances have changed over at AT&T, and employees are now being directed to discourage iPhone sales.

Supposedly, regional managers have been giving the directive, and retail workers are told to encourage Android or Windows Phone models at the expense of the iPhone.

We haven’t heard of any nefarious reasoning behind this directive, and it may just be AT&T interested in encouraging diversity on its network. It’s still selling plenty of iPhones, but the rate at which activations occur has shown signs of slowing down. AT&T’s not going to stop anyone from buying an iPhone who really wants to, but maybe it noticed a number of subscribers getting iPhone tunnel vision and wants to make clear that there are other smartphones under the sun.

AT&T has yet to comment on these allegations, but BGR was able to confirm with three sources that such an order has indeed come down from on-high.

Update: We’ve since heard from AT&T, and the company vehemently denies this report:

“The idea that we would steer any customer away from a particular device couldn’t be more farfetched. Our reps do what it takes to align customer needs with the best device for them. iPhone remains one of our most popular devices, which doesn’t happen by steering people away from it. Our reps are encouraged to try all devices so they are more knowledgeable on our industry-leading smartphone lineup.”